In a significant move, the Perth Bears have secured the signatures of playmaker Zac Herdegen and international edge backrower Zac Lipowicz.
This recruitment strategy aims to finalize their Top 30 roster for the upcoming NRL season.
Herdegen will commit to a one-year deal and boasts an impressive background in junior representative rugby.
He captained the Queensland Country under-17s in 2023 and was part of the Queensland under-18s Emerging squad the following year.
The 20-year-old was also part of the Queensland Under-19s emerging squad last year and is poised to develop further in the Bears' system.
For the last two years, he has been with the Cowboys and made 34 appearances for the Northern Pride in the Queensland Cup since 2025.
During this season, he emerged as the Pride's leading point-scorer, accumulating 114 points while playing in the five-eighth position.
Expressing enthusiasm about joining the Bears, Herdegen said, "This is a big opportunity for me to prove myself at the top level with the newest team in the NRL."
He emphasized the appeal of working under coach Mal Meninga, stating, "Getting to do that...makes the opportunity even more attractive."
Herdegen acknowledged his development in the Queensland system and expressed eagerness to learn from experienced players, aiming to honor the club's trust in bringing him on board.